Here we go again, another battle, another fight, another catastrophe. When will it end? How about this? Never. Not until Jesus returns. Is that a good enough answer?

For many of us, it is not. I struggle to grasp the cruelty of people killing children in Iraq simply because they belong to a special group called 'Christian'. I feel helpless in the face of Muslim groups in Nigeria kidnapping hundreds of girls and no-one can find them. For what purpose? Or what about the millions of women, and children sold into sex-slavery... What do you do with that?

What about when it is closer to home. Like in your home? Depression, suicide, sudden illness. How do you handle life when this happens?

All these thoughts have been lining up in my head almost on a daily basis. My heart is grieved and helplessness sets in. The feeling is familiar. I feel helpless in the face of so much suffering and pain.

The place of familiarity often breeds apathy because of the inability to physically engage. I have seen this in my own life in Africa. So many little beggar kids on the streets begging. After years of exposure to this, I find it easy (sadly), to overlook. And yet, I am aware it is because for so long I have felt so very helpless. These kids on the street are known to be very difficult to rehabilitate. But, does that mean we shouldn't try? Absolutely not.

The Lord has pricked my heart this week with this verse. Hebrews 12:12 "So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees." The question of what we can do is this: PRAY. Fast if you can. Ask, Seek, knock and do it all over again. Prayer is not an option for Christians, it is a mandate.

Our call is to arm ourselves with, the shield of faith, breastplate of righteousness, sword of the spirit, belt of truth, helmet of salvation, and shoes of the gospel of peace, and lastly - prayer at all times, in all situations. Pray for clarity and direction and remember, the earnest prayer of a righteous man avails much.